Rufous Whistlers require dense vegetation in a garden. They build nests within dense shrubs and tree canopies. A garden planted with diverse shrubs including grevilleas, banksias, paperbarks, and bottlebrushes can provide suitable nesting sites. They prefer areas with good urban canopy featuring large trees.
Birds build their nests with materials collected around the garden including twigs, bark, grass, cobwebs, fabrics, and even pet fur. Clumping grasses and groundcovers in the garden can provide natural nesting materials for nesting birds as well.
Novel Shelter
Not required.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Rufous Whistlers feed on insects attracted to the garden. They prefer to forage for prey in the tree canopy including Marri, Jarrah, Tuart, and other large native trees. They also hunt for insects living under lawn, mulch, and leaflitter around home gardens.
Providing sources of water
Rufous Whistlers prefer to live near water. A shallow bird bath is a great spot to see these birds banter in the garden. Bird baths can be hazardous for small birds. Partially submerged rocks or logs can provide a safer avenue to exit the water incase they fall in.
Bird baths can be hung from prominent branches or in the forks of trees. This can provide a safe place for birds to drink away from cats and dogs.
ReWild Benefits
Small songbirds help to control pest species within the ecosystem. Visit BirdLife Australia to learn more about our native birds of prey. If you have seen one in your neighbourhood or around the home you can record your sighting on Birdata and help scientists monitor their population
